Summary On 05 September 2001 at 0630, while returning from the fishing grounds, the small fishing vessel Alain-Jose was reported swamped. The crew of three was rescued by the fishing vessel JoshuaD. and transported to Escuminac wharf. The partially submerged vessel was subsequently towed to Escuminac and beached. No one was injured. Ce rapport est galement disponible en franais. Other Factual Information Particulars of the Vessel Description of the Vessel The Alain-Jose is a small wooden fishing vessel of open-deck construction. The wheelhouse and accommodation are located forward of the open working deck (well deck). Photo1. Profile of F/V Alain-Jose Photo2. Net Drum (Starboard Side) Although the vessel is involved seasonally in various types of fishing, it was engaged in the herring fishery (gill-netting) at the time of the occurrence. A hydraulic net drum winch is located along the starboard gunwale where the empty gill-nets are launched and set (seePhoto2). The loaded nets are then retrieved over the port side and across the well deck, where the herring is systematically shaken from the net onto the open deck. The emptied net is then stowed on the drum, ready to be launched again. Several gill-nets may be set during the course of a fishing cycle. Description of the Voyage Figure1. Section of CHS Electronic Chart No4023 The small fishing vessel Alain-Jose left port at Escuminac, NewBrunswick, at approximately 19302 on the evening of 04September2001, and headed for the fishing grounds off Pointe-Sapin. The voyage duration was approximately 1hour and 30minutes. On arrival at the grounds, the vessel started fishing and continued throughout the night. By the morning of 05September2001, the load of fish caught was equivalent to about 80barrels of herring, 6barrels of which were contained in 12fish boxes just aft of the wheelhouse. The bulk of the catch was left loose on the open-well deck. During the night, the weather had changed gradually from being moderately calm until early morning when thunderstorms developed. At approximately 0500, considering the worsening weather conditions and the large quantity of herring on deck, the crew decided to return to port. A vessel fishing nearby was invited to take the catch from two of the Alain-Jose nets remaining in the water. During the homeward voyage, winds gusted from the NNE at 15to 20knots and the seas began to build. At approximately 0630, the wind had increased to about 20to 25knots with wave heights reaching 3to 5m, when a wave came over the stern, flooding the loaded well deck. The crew started shovelling the herring over the side, but another wave lifted the stern and the vessel broached, shipping more water over the starboard bulwark. A submersible electric bilge pump, located at the bottom of the void space below the well deck, was pumping normally on automatic mode. Also, a gasoline-powered pump, which was available on board for emergencies, was started several times, but it was finally shut down because it could not obtain suction. The fishing vessel JoshuaD. was close by and was called to assist. It manoeuvred alongside the Alain-Jose, from which the three crewmembers jumped to safety. They were not wearing lifejackets. The JoshuaD. reported the incident and called for assistance, giving the ship's position as 4702'N, 6447'W (approximately 2.5nautical miles (nm) south of Point Escuminac and 1.5nm east of the New Brunswick coast). The JoshuaD. then headed for port. The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) auxiliary vessel SeaPrincess1 was tasked to assist. At the scene however, before an attempt could be made to use a portable emergency pump on board the CCG rescue vessel, the abandoned Alain-Jose settled beneath the waves with only the wheelhouse showing above water. Some time later, the partially submerged vessel was towed back to port. Injuries to Persons Damage to the Vessel The vessel suffered water damage but had little structural damage. Damage to the Environment A diesel oil slick about 300m long was reported, but it was quickly dispersed by wind and wave action. The impact on the environment was considered minimal. Vessel Certification At less than 15gross tons, the Alain-Jose falls under the Small Fishing Vessel Inspection Regulations, PART II. Such vessels are not inspected by Transport Canada (TC) and there is no specific requirement for stability assessment or for control of the movement of fish carried in bulk. However, ship owners are obliged to ensure that their vessels meet all other requirements, including the provision of lifesaving equipment, fire extinguishing and navigating equipment. Personnel Certification Although not required by regulations to be certificated, the owner/master held a Fishing Master ClassIV certificate. Weather The master recalled that the forecast at 1700 on the evening of departure predicted bad weather for mid morning the next day. The forecast issued at 1530 on Tuesday 04September2001 predicted: Winds southwest 20to 25knots diminishing to southwest 15knots early this evening then shifting to northerly 15to 20knots overnight. Winds backing to northwest 20to 25knots Wednesday afternoon. Occasional showers and fog patches developing this evening, ending Wednesday morning. Visibility poor in showers and fog. Little temperature change. On the morning of the occurrence (Wednesday), the Maritime Forecast from Environment Canada, issued at 0300 on 05September2001, predicted: Winds variable 10to 15knots increasing to northerly 20to 25knots this morning, then backing to northwest 15to 20knots on Thursday afternoon. Occasional thundershower, showers and mist ending in the evening. Visibility fair in showers and mist. Little temperature change. According to the master of the Alain-Jose, the weather at 0630 on 05September2001, when the vessel was being swamped, was northerly winds at 20to 25knots, with thundershowers, and waves reaching 3to 5metres in height. He contended that these severe conditions were encountered several hours earlier than he had understood from the official forecasts. Fish on Deck The total quantity of herring brought on deck was reported to be equivalent to about 80barrels. At 113.5kg per barrel, the total estimated load was 9080kg, a portion of which (680kg) was stored in 12boxes secured behind the wheelhouse. The remainder of the catch (8400kg) was left loose on deck, susceptible to shifting with movement of the vessel.